Methods for Managing Digital Work Flow

Abstract

A method for managing a dental work flow using digital automation. After a remote consultation, the patient is sent a portable scanning wand or device by a dental professional. The patient performs a self intra-oral scan as directed and then transmits the video over a network such as the internet. Before the dental professional can review the transmitted data, a data management module analyzes the transmitted video using a suite of artificial intelligence (AI) tools and automatically prepares an original report or summary which details any likely issues present within the patient's teeth. An additional supplemental report may also be generated by the suite of AI tools which lists any required treatments, any possible elective treatments, and any further treatment options that may be provided responsively to the patient. The dental professional can then form a diagnosis for the patient and then send the diagnosis directly to the patient.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application is a non-provisional of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 63 / 106,252, filed on Oct. 27, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in their entirety and to which priority is claimed pursuant to 35 USC 119.BACKGROUNDField of the Technology[0002]The invention relates to methods for managing a work flow, specifically a work flow related to performing remote dentistry and orthodontic consultations.Description of the Prior Art[0003]Telehealth and remote medical consultations, also known as remote patient monitoring (RPM), is a process long in use in which healthcare is provided to a patient by a doctor or other medical professional remotely, i.e. without the traditional in person consultations given to patient's within the doctor's office or other physical setting. The patient typically gives personal medical information to a doctor through a device such as a computer or smart device which is connected to the doctor through a net...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention provides a method for managing dental examinations using an intra-oral scanner and an automated system controlled by a dental professional. The method involves analyzing data from the scanner and providing a report to the dental professional, who then provides a diagnosis or treatment plan to the patient. The method can also include sending the patient a device for performing the scan and providing instructions on how to use it. The invention aims to improve the efficiency and accuracy of dental examinations by automating the analysis of data and providing a more personalized approach to diagnosis and treatment.

Problems solved by technology

Remote patient monitoring and telehealth medical practice has only accelerated over the last two years where in person examinations have become increasingly inconvenient or undesired in view of the health risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

While remote patient monitoring or remote telehealth consultations lend themselves well to general examinations, post operative monitoring, and even prenatal visits, such procedures are largely still incompatible or ill suited for services related to dentistry and orthodontics.

This is largely because in order to properly perform an oral examination, the dentist or orthodontist must view the inside of the patient's mouth, something which is not easily accomplished using a commercial web camera.

Furthermore, to the extent that an oral examination can be performed remotely, the quality of the information that the dentist or orthodontist receives would be less then ideal or helpful given the current constraints of RPM or telehealth examinations.

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